Zombie
Gruesome Ghouls Lyrics
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Child is slowly taken
And the violence caused such silence
Who are we mistaken?
But you see, it's not me
It's not my family
In your head, in your head they are fighting
And their bombs, and their guns
In your head, in your head they are crying
In your head, in your head
Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie
What's in your head? In your head?
Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie-ie, o-oh
Another mother's breaking
Heart is taking over
When the violence causes silence
We must be mistaken
It's the same old theme
Since nineteen-sixteen
In your head, in your head they're still fighting
With their tanks, and their bombs
And their bombs, and their guns
In your head, in your head they are dying
In your head, in your head
Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie
What's in your head? In your head?
Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie-ie, o-oh
O-oh, o-oh, o-oh, o-oh, o-oh, o-oh, hey, hey, aaaah, ya-ya-aaaaw
The lyrics to Gruesome Ghouls’s song Zombie describe the violence, confusion, and chaos that occurs during times of war. The opening line, “Another head hangs lowly, a child is slowly taken,” paints a picture of the devastation of war and its impact on innocent civilians. The ensuing violence causes “such silence” that leaves many wondering about who is to blame and the misguided assumptions that lead to the conflict. The lyrics also speak of the mental repercussions of war, as we can see the fighting, bombs, and guns in their head causing them to cry and eventually die.
The repetition of “zombie” in the chorus creates a haunting and disturbing effect, as well as serving as a poignant metaphor for the psychological state of those affected by war. The lyrics make it clear that the violence and destruction caused by war are not new and have been an ongoing issue since 1916. The song brings to light the impact that war has on ordinary people and the toll it takes on human lives, reflecting the prevalent theme of a continued struggle for peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Another head hangs lowly
Someone has died and their head is hanging down in a symbol of defeat and hopelessness.
Child is slowly taken
A child has been taken, likely kidnapped, and is in danger or has already died.
And the violence caused such silence
The violence has caused such trauma that there is no longer any noise or commotion.
Who are we mistaken?
The cause for the violence and tragedy is unclear or mistaken.
But you see, it's not me
The artist is not responsible for the violence and tragedy.
It's not my family
The singer's family is also not responsible for the violence and tragedy.
In your head, in your head they are fighting
The fighting and conflict is all in your own mind, but it feels real and devastating.
With their tanks, and their bombs
The weapons of war and destruction are being used in the conflict.
And their bombs, and their guns
The weapons of war and destruction are being used in the conflict.
In your head, in your head they are crying
The victims of the conflict are crying and in pain in your own mind, but it feels real and devastating.
Another mother's breaking
Another mother is experiencing heartbreak and devastation, likely due to losing a child or loved one.
Heart is taking over
The emotional pain and trauma of the violence is overwhelming and overpowering.
When the violence causes silence
The violence has become so devastating and tragic that it has caused silence and stillness.
We must be mistaken
There is a misunderstanding or lack of understanding regarding the cause of the violence and tragedy.
It's the same old theme
The violence and tragedy is part of an ongoing, never-ending cycle of conflict and destruction.
Since nineteen-sixteen
The violence and destruction has been happening for a long time, potentially referencing a specific historical event.
In your head, in your head they're still fighting
The conflict is still raging on in your own mind, even if it is not actively happening in reality.
With their tanks, and their bombs
The weapons of war and destruction are still being used in the conflict.
And their bombs, and their guns
The weapons of war and destruction are still being used in the conflict.
In your head, in your head they are dying
The victims of the conflict are dying and experiencing loss in your own mind, but it feels real and devastating.
Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie
The repetition of the word 'zombie' emphasizes the thoughtless, mindless destruction and violence of the conflict.
What's in your head? In your head?
The artist is asking the listener to reflect on what they are imagining and thinking in their own mind about this conflict.
O-oh, o-oh, o-oh, o-oh, o-oh, o-oh, hey, hey, aaaah, ya-ya-aaaaw
These sounds are used to build tension and heighten the sense of chaos and destruction associated with the conflict.
Contributed by Eliana A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.